NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands stated that on 13^th March, 2020, The Bahamas recorded its first case of COVID-19.

“As previously reported, this case was admitted to hospital, subsequently discharged, and clinically has recovered. In less than one month, confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have increased to 29,” Dr. Sands explained as he presented an update on the COVID-19 response in the House of Assembly, Monday, April 6, 2020.

He stated that are presently 23 cases in New Providence; five cases in Grand Bahama and one case from Bimini.

Dr. Sands stated that epidemics and pandemics do not have linear growth.

“Look at the curves from every country. They start flat, then curve upward steeply. If we continue on this path, our health care system will be overwhelmed and unable to meet the demands.

“Social and physical distancing and responsible handwashing are the two mitigating actions that will help us to combat the strength of this virus.”

He said 11 of the 29 confirmed cases are currently hospitalized in varying clinical conditions: three are very ill; and eight are stable.  Two cases are candidates for discharge.

Dr. Sands noted that 14 of the 29 confirmed cases presented with mild symptoms and did not meet the threshold for hospitalization.

“These patients are in home isolation, and daily monitored by the Surveillance team for any change in their clinical status.

“Of those requiring home isolation, 10 cases have completed 14 days of isolation since their symptoms began. Four of the 10 have been approved for a change in classification to ‘Recovered’.”

He said contact tracing for each of the 29 confirmed cases remains a priority and on-going activity. More than 300 contacts have been identified by the Surveillance team.

Dr. Sands explained that the five persons who succumbed to the virus ranged in age from 57 to 80; there are three males and two females; and one of the deceased is from Bimini, three from New Providence and one from Grand Bahama.

The Health Minister said, “Our Surveillance Team will continually pursue contact tracing for the persons, who were likely exposed by the five COVID-19 related deaths.”